European Methodist Council Gathers with New Faces, Fresh Vision, and Shared Hope for the Future
At a recent meeting marked by both heartfelt farewells and new beginnings, the European Methodist Council (EMC) gathered to reflect, plan, and pray together. With new members joining from across the continent and preparations underway for the next gathering in Hamburg, the Council embraced a spirit of renewal and unity.
The meeting opened with a warm welcome to new members. In a devotional based on John 21:3–12, Bishop Stefan Zürcher of UMC Central and Southern Europe reminded the group that the strength of their ministry lies not in their own efforts, but in Christ’s sustaining grace. His prayer grounded the Council’s work in gratitude and trust.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for EMC
With structural changes taking effect under a newly adopted constitution, the Council is evolving. Delegations will shift to better reflect the diversity and size of member churches, encouraging broader participation. The upcoming Hamburg meeting will be the first in-person gathering under this new model, offering an important opportunity to build relationships and deepen shared vision. Hamburg will also host important conversations about migration, reconciliation, and learning from the African Methodist experience, with the General Secretary of the African Methodist Council, Rev. Dr. Martin Mujinga joining as a guest. Planning for these discussions will continue over the coming months, with the Executive Committee shaping the final agenda.
Leadership Transitions Rooted in Diversity and Wisdom
The Revd Dr. Heather Morris (Methodist Church in Ireland) was unanimously elected as the new Co-Chair of the EMC, stepping into the role as Bishop Harald Rückert steps down. Bishop Werner Philip (UMC Germany) and Bishop Stefan Zürcher (UMC Central and Southern Conference) were also elected to join the Executive Committee as members. A third seat remains open to allow for further diversity when the Council reconvenes in the autumn.
Funding Mission, Building Community
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to the Fund for Mission in Europe, which supports projects focused on leadership, connection, and spiritual growth. A new chair has been appointed, and funding priorities for 2025 were approved.
Worldwide Engagement and Ecumenical Presence
The Council also reaffirmed its global relationships and ecumenical engagement. Doug Godfrey-Swanney, EMC Co-Chair and World Methodist Council (WMC) Regional Representative for Europe, will represent the Council at an upcoming World Council of Churches (WCC) conference in Stockholm, which marks 100 years of the ecumenical movement. Stefanie Gabuyo, EMC Support Officer and WMC Youth and Young Adult (YYA) Committee Chair (Co-ordinator), will travel to South Korea this June to participate in the WMC YYA Young Adult Pilgrimage of Peace (YAPP), alongside two other young adults from the Methodist Church in Britain and UMC Norway. Meanwhile, the Methodist Ecumenical Office Rome continues to strengthen Methodist, Wesleyan and Uniting churches presence and relationships at the Vatican, ensuring a visible and respected voice in key interfaith and ecumenical spaces.
Youth, Women, and a Shared Future
The European Methodist Youth and Children Forum (EMYCF) shared the success of their recent gathering — a time of leadership development, friendship, and vision. They encouraged the EMC to consider more flexible funding for informal leadership training across the continent.
The Council also received a report from the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women, highlighting the inspiring leadership of women globally and the impact of the recent World Methodist Conference.
Farewells and Fresh Hope
The Council set aside time for farewells and reflections, paying tribute to a number of longstanding members for their faithful leadership and years of service. Among those concluding their terms were Revd Uwe Onnen (UMC Germany), Bishop Christian Alsted (UMC Northern Europe and Eurasia), and Bishop Harald Rückert (UMC Germany), each of whom contributed significantly to the life of the Council and the Executive Committee. The meeting closed not only with deep gratitude for their legacy, but with renewed energy and hope for the future.
As the Council looks toward its next meeting in Hamburg and beyond, the message is clear: while Europe’s Methodist churches may face unique challenges, they are stronger when they walk together — in prayer, in service, and in hope.
15th May 2025, Dublin (Ireland) | European Methodist Council
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